Douglas DC-5 - A Short History

Discover the incredible story of the Douglas DC-5, a versatile and adaptable aircraft with a remarkable military history. In this episode, we dive into the development, military applications, notable missions, and the lasting legacy of this lesser-known aircraft from the Douglas Aircraft Company.

Join us as we explore the various roles the DC-5 played during World War II, including its service with the United States Navy and Marine Corps, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force, and even the Imperial Japanese Navy. Learn about the daring missions and fascinating incidents involving the DC-5, such as the evacuation of Java and the legendary "Dutch One" incident.

UPDATE: Please note that the image att 3:29 obviously is not a DC-5, rather a Douglas R5D - I was tired when finishing the edit. Sorry about that :)

MEDIA:
Images in the Public Domain.

#ashorthistory

[johngetty]

Wow! Never heard of the DC5.
Fascinating. Thanks for highlighting this aircraft.

[sequoyah]

Finally, a useful and actually short history. Five minutes, just right.

[swbeyer]

Wondered why there was a gap between the DC-4 and the DC-6. Interesting to find out there was an actual DC-5. Too bad none survived.

[petesheppard]

I've seen passing mentions over the years, but this is the most detailed review yet.

[pylon]

Interesting to know what's going on with the intro and end image, being a DC-5 with the American Star, but also having a civilian Australian registration, albeit incorrect in not having the bar or dash after the VH-.

[jsfbr]

What a beautiful airplane! Thanks for sharing. 🎉

[keesvandenbroek]

Some more info and fun facts on those planes: two civilian planes were delivered to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, who operated them in the Dutch West Indies during the war.
This makes KLM the only operator of ALL DC types of Douglas. From the DC-2 (DC-1 being only a prototype) to the DC-10

[snappytom]

with a bit more work could of be the first ture cargo aircrafe with a ramp

[richardwarfield]

New one to me - but with only 12 made I am not surprised.

[tombrown]

The prototype unit was bought by William E. Boeing and used as his personal plane.

[scootergeorge]

Much better than the Curtiss Wright C-76!

[robertdragoff]

This way an interesting video on a little known but important airplane that basically faded into obscurity….

The design reminds me of the De Havilland Otter, also a high wing twin engine monoplane….

Shame that the design wasn’t revived after the war.

[glenwoodriverresidentsgrou]

I’ve heard it was based on the A-20 light bomber. It has a similar tail profile. Any thoughts on this?

[edwardloomis]

The aircraft at 3:32 has four engines vs. the two engines of the previous aircraft. I don't see any four-engine DC-5s online. Please explain.

[tedsmith]

Less than 4 1/2 minutes is hardly a "deep dive", more like a passing glimpse. BTW, The Royal Australian Air Force is known as the R Double-A F.

[loiclaronche]

A bit more figures would be appreciated. Otherwise, nice video, many thanks

[MrSimplyfantabulous]

Interesting, but a word of explanation would be worth hearing about why only 12 copies of this great aircraft were ordered. We need Paul Harvey to tell us the rest of the story.